Palm Sunday marks an ending, beginning

Believers around the world marked Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week leading up to Easter. For Christians, this week marks the final days of Lent; for Jews, it marks the beginning of Passover.

Palm Sunday: Christians remember Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem in the days before he was arrested and crucified. Crowds gathered to place palm branches beneath his feet. Many Christian churches bless palm leaves, celebrate a procession and reflect on the passion of Jesus.

Holy/Maundy Thursday: Traditionally commemorates the Last Supper and the gift of Holy Communion. The Catholic Church also considers it the day that Jesus instituted the priesthood.

Good Friday: Churches pray the stations of the cross and reflect on the crucifixion. For Catholics, Good Friday is a day of fasting (one full meal and two smaller ones to preserve strength for ages 18 to 59) and abstinence (no meat for ages 14 and older). The Greek Orthodox call it Great Friday and observe strict rules on fasting.

Passover: Commemorates the story of the Exodus, when Jewish slaves were freed from Egypt. Begins at sundown Monday and officially ends with nightfall Tuesday, April 22.

Easter: The holiest day of the Christian calender marks the resurrection of Jesus. Every few years, “Western” and Greek Orthodox Easter coincide — this is one of them.